The Launch of Asian-Canadian Anti-Racism Alliance (ACARA) coalition

Scarborough Agincourt MPP Aris Babikian had the honour of participating with Minister Lecce, colleagues Vincent Ke, Logan Kanapathi, Daisy Wai, Senator Victor Ho, MP Bob Saroya, and over 150 elected officials and community leaders to launch the establishment of the Asian-Canadian Anti-Racism Alliance (ACARA) coalition.

Over 300 hundred organizations and civic society institutions joined the coalition to denounce the increased racism and hate crimes perpetrated against the Chinese and Asian communities in Ontario and Canada. MPP Babikian stated that regardless of our background, we as Canadians, have to condemn these acts because they are not the Canadian way and they conflict with our values and traditions. He further stated that all of us are equal partners in building the Canada that we know as the best country in the world.  

He emphasise that racism and hate crimes ramifications are destructive on any society. He cited the killing of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915 as an example of hatred and racism. He urged everyone to stand in support of our Chinese and Asian brothers and sisters because we are not living in isolation.

At the conclusion of his speech, MPP Babikian reminded the audience and urged them to learn from Martin Niemöller’s, a German Lutheran pastor and theologian, famous statement on the treatment of the Jews in Germany.  Niemöller said “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew.  Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” 

He also added that it is our duty to stamp out this kind of alien and heinous practice. It is our duty to hand the future generations the same society which our forbearers fought and died for to build a peaceful, law abiding, democratic, welcoming, and tolerant Canada. 

In conclusion, he announced the participation of the Armenian National Committee of Toronto, the Canadian Hellenic Congress, and the Canadian Coptic Foundation in the collation.  He relayed these communities solidarity and support to eliminate racism against the Asia Communities.  

MPP Aris Babikian Office